Visiting Assistant Professor in Communication

Job Overview: Visiting Assistant Professor in Communication

Manhattan University (formerly Manhattan College) is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor for a one-year, full-time appointment within the newly integrated Communication, Sound, and Media Arts Department. Located in the Bronx, the University operates within the Lasallian tradition, focusing on a person-centered approach to education that balances theoretical rigor with ethical professional practice.

This role is ideal for a Communication Generalist with a specific expertise in Journalism. You will play a pivotal role in guiding the journalism concentration while leveraging New York City’s media landscape to create tangible career pathways for students.

Key Responsibilities & Academic Leadership

Teaching & Curriculum

• Course Load: Maintain a 4:4 teaching schedule for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

• Core Instruction: Teach essential courses including Ethics in Mass Communication, Media Theory and Research, and the Senior Thesis Capstone.

• Journalism Focus: Lead specialized courses in journalism and serve as the formal Advisor to the Student Newspaper.

• Pedagogy: Develop syllabi and assessments that align with program objectives and foster an inclusive, in-person learning environment.

Mentorship & Service

• Advising: Provide academic guidance to students in both foundational communication courses and the journalism concentration.

• Office Hours: Hold regular on-campus hours to provide mentorship and support for student research and internship goals.

• Industry Networking: Work to build and maintain relationships with the Manhattan media industry to secure student internships and career opportunities.

Requirements & Qualifications

Academic Credentials

• Education: A Ph.D. in Journalism or Communication is required.

  • ABD Candidates: Those who have completed all requirements except the dissertation may be considered, provided the degree is conferred by August 24, 2026.

• Scholarship: A demonstrated record of publication in the field.

Professional Profile

• Teaching Excellence: A proven commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching.

• Theoretical Grounding: Ability to connect communication theory to the liberal arts, democratic systems, and the impact of media on society.

• Practical Experience: Professional experience in the media industry and a willingness to network within the New York City market are highly valued.

Why Manhattan University?

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is a community where 85% of graduates find field-related employment or graduate placement within one year. By joining this “dynamic and newly combined department,” you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines—including media production, sound design, and game design—while contributing to the ethical training of the next generation of journalists.

Position Details

• Start Date: Anticipated August 24, 2026.

• Classification: One-year, full-time Visiting Assistant Professor.

• Location: This is a strictly in-person, on-campus position in the Bronx, NY.

  The Organization & Culture Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution that officially transitioned from Manhattan College to University status in August 2024. In 2026, the culture is defined by its motto, “Where Curiosity Becomes a Calling,” and a focus on being a “person-centered” institution. While it remains deeply rooted in the 170-year-old heritage of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the university has undergone a significant modernization to boost its global appeal. The environment is academically rigorous, particularly in its hallmark Engineering and Business programs, and is known for producing “work-ready” graduates who consistently rank in the top 3% nationally for salary impact.

  The Location: Riverdale, Bronx

  • The “Riverdale” Identity: Located at 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy, the 23-acre campus is situated in the leafy, residential Riverdale section of the Bronx. Despite its name, the school moved from Manhattan to this site in 1923.

  • 10 Miles from Midtown: The campus offers a traditional collegiate feel—complete with a central quad and “Jasper Hall”—while being just a short subway ride (the 1 train) from the professional hubs of Manhattan.

  • A Dual-Campus Layout: The campus is divided into two main areas (North and South) connected by a student commons, serving as a social and academic bridge for the nearly 4,000 students.

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  Workplace & Academic Highlights (2026)

  • The 2026 “ARCH” Innovation: A major highlight in 2026 is the launch of the ARCH Innovation Exchange. This initiative fosters interdisciplinary faculty fellowships and the “ARCHtalk” series, which recently debuted with lectures on the ethics of AI in healthcare.

  • Core Academic Schools:

    • Kakos School of Arts & Sciences: The foundational heart of the university, recently reorganized to enhance interdisciplinary research.

    • O’Malley School of Business: AACSB-accredited and highly ranked for its finance and accounting pipelines into NYC’s “Big Four.”

    • School of Engineering: A regional powerhouse with 18 alumni currently serving in the National Academy of Engineering.

  • 2026 Salary & Outcomes Landscape:

    • Mid-Career Earnings: Manhattan graduates command a mid-career average salary of $136,000, according to 2026 data.

    • Faculty & Staff Compensation: The average hourly wage for university employees is estimated at $59/hour ($122,336 annually), with high-level administrative roles ranging from $114,000 to $200,000+.

    • The “Jasper Guarantee”: In 2026, the university offers a unique tuition stabilization plan that fixes tuition rates for eight consecutive semesters, providing families with financial predictability.

  • Student Success Metrics: Approximately 73% of students complete at least one internship at companies like Google, KPMG, or Tesla before graduation.

  • Comprehensive 2026 Benefits:

    • Tuition Remission: Full-time staff are eligible for full tuition remission for themselves (after 3 months) and their families (after 2 years).

    • Medical Coverage: Provided through the Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust (Aetna PPO), with a unique “buy-back” option where the university pays you up to $1,500/year if you decline coverage.

    • Work-Life Balance: Includes “Summer Fridays” (university closure) and a generous holiday schedule aligned with the Catholic calendar.

  Strategic Values: “Social Mobility & Global Reach”

  • Lasallian Catholic Mission: The 2026 strategy is built on Social Justice and Civic Engagement. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), the university prioritizes access for first-generation students and underrepresented populations.

  • The “University” Pivot: The rebranding was strategically designed to clarify the school’s status for international students (who often equate “college” with high school) and to prepare for a move toward doctoral-level programming in the late 2020s.

  • Outcome-Driven Education: The university prides itself on its social mobility score (85.6/100), emphasizing its role as an “elevator” for students from low-income backgrounds into high-paying professional sectors.